Annual Aoorras Miami, at the 
Cong Sslaun Sistrtrt QJonfiu*- 
rnrr of th? Nmu fork 
Annual (Honfmnrr 
of th? 




A. M. E. CHURCH 

AUGUST 25tk. 1915 

By 

$*tt. 31. install Walters 



Copyright 1915, by Rev. J. Josiah Walters. 



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NOV 23 1915 



Preamble 



Since listening to the very able address of 



tion is, that others, as well as ourselves, might be 
benefitted by the production. 



| Aug. 25th, 1915. 



J. M. PROCTOR. 



our Presiding Elder, J. J. Walters, charmed by 

such beautiful diction, captivated by such lofty | 

1 thoughts, stirred to my soul's depths by such eloquen- I 

ce, and enraptured by such grand poetic beauty, I 

have been made to feel that this most excellent ad- 
El 

1 dress ought to go to the church and race in printed 
form. The thoughts expressed are burning 
thoughts which our people should read, particularly 
the young. The diction is superb; rhetoric and 
logic connecting every paragraph, and embellishing 
each sentence, until the whole theme sparkles with | 
gems of beauty. Then, too, the sublime poem. j 
This alone has given inspiration to the discouraged, 
hope to the despondent, and lifted the heart, in | 
spite of ourselves, up to "Pisgah's top" where one j 
may sight the reward promised the humble co-la- j 
borer with God. The whole address has given us a 
broader and a clearer vision of the 'Beyond'; and | 
the church and the race need it for inspiration and 
help in their "battle for truth and righteousness." 
1 My motive, therefore, for offering the resolu- 




CI.A416520 




Preface 



Delivered at the Long Island District Confer- 
ence of the New York Annual Conference of the 
A. M. E. Church, on the 25th of August, 1915, at 
Bethel church, Westbury, the Annual Address 
which forms the embodiment of the following arti- 
cle, was received with feelings of christian appre- 
ciation. At the close of its delivery, the Presiding 
Elder having signified that the deposition was in 
order for discussion, Rev. Proctor, followed by 
Revds. Wilson and S. H. V. Gumbs, made pertinent, 
salutary, and commendatory remarks thereon; and 
at the conclusion, the former made a motion which 
was unhesitatingly seconded, received, and unani- 
mously carried. The motion, substantially, was: 
That the address be printed in pamphlet form, and 
be circulated within and without the bounds of the 
District. Though possessing the natal endowment 



j of modesty, I was humbly constrained to rend the 
j circumference of same with impunity, and to ac- 



quiesce with the heartfelt desires of my Brethren. 
And, in doing so, I do now breathe a fervent prayer, 
that the Master, whose glory and honor lie supre- 
mely in my breast, may so bless the humble pro- 
| duction that same be auxiliary in bringing honor 
| and glory to His Holy Name. 

| THE AUTHOR. 

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Workers for deft. 



Brethren and Friends: 

Man, primarily, is dependent on God, and, sec- 
ondarily, both dependent and interdependent on his 
f ellowman. This assertion is easy, and, consequently, 
far from being strained. In whatever relation it is 
legitimately viewed, labor, or activity, couples man 
with his fellowman, and to his Creator. Every defi- 
nite action is conditioned by a definite resistance, 
without which, the former is impossible. Again, 
work, and the Creation of God are coeval. This gives, 
therefore, a prima facie clue to the preceding obser- 
vations. And although it may not be strictly correct 
to use the term work in connection with the achieve- 
ments of the Deity, yet, speaking after the manner 
of men, we are forced to concur with him who said, 
"The firmament sheweth his handy work." For, as 
we carefully observe the environments of man, as we 
recall the divine commands and requisitions, we can- 
not be long in arriving at the conclusion that man is 
intended to be an executive being— a worker adapted 
to execute his own plans, as well as those entrusted 
him by his Maker. And when both are performed 
with an eye single to God's glory, each worker cannot 
but arrive at that plane of joy whereat Paul arrived, 
and whereon he stood, exclaiming: "We are laborers 
together with God." 

Taking advantage of his adaptability to labor, 
man incessantly fulfills his mission, and glories there- 
in. But it is regretful to observe the many who fail 
to realize the object of their creation; and failing, [ 
they labor only for self and sublunary satisfaction. 



Of this class of workers it is not my purpose to speak. 
1 There is another which demands serious attention 
as time hastens and eternity approaches. This class 
1 stands paramount, and is composed of a variety of 
j laborers. It is pleasing to observe that in this vari- 
1 ety, there exists a grand unity;— a unity perceived, 
I or unperceived— a unity heeded, or unheeded. And 
in this unity there is a great variety, whether ob- 
| served or unobserved. Consequently, this co-ordina- 
tion of things bespeaks a divinely established means 
to a divinely-conceived end, thereby presenting to 
mortals a telling masterpiece of Divine wisdom. From 
the obligations of this class, the press, the desk, the 
counter, and similar agencies are not immune. Provid- 
ed always, however, that the honor and glory of God, 
and the well-being of man, are not relegated to a sec- 
ondary position. It is necessary that this variety should 
I be so co-existent. Creation enforces the fact. Past 
achievements for God confirm it. Present successes 
| say, "Amen" to it. And though various the gifts of the 

workers, though various their graces, though various [ 
| their spheres of activity, though various their failures 

and successes, yet the combination of the variety does | 
j not nullify the essence of the al 1-pervading unity which 
I characterizes the work of the Creator. For, workers 
for God possess certain characteristics by which they 
are divinely recognized, and whereby they are kept 
intact, however, remotely they may be separated, the | 
one from the other. Because they are one with Christ, | 
| they have one mind for His glory. Were this not the I 
case, when obstacles arise, when disciplinary failures | 
intervene, when the work demands their putting forth j 
I their all, and their embracing of unwelcome self-de- 
I nials, they would lay their armor down, and take a 
] dangerous and premature rest. But instead of this, j 
that divine impulse nerves them for the task: and, j 



their motive being one, they are rendered qualified to 
hear always the encouraging consolation: "My grace 
is sufficient for thee." One their mind, one their 
motive, one their desire, one their purpose, workers 
for God dare to obey, dare to suffer, dare to lose, and 
even dare to die, so that thereby, "Thy Kingdom 
come; Thy Will be done on earth" may, by their con- 
joint labor for God, be speedily realized in all its 
| plenitude. Contrary characteristics cannot but im- 
pede the blessed work, and keep in abeyance the de- 
sired success. Hence, this bugle of caution, sounded 
years ago, should be attended to in our day, as it 
peals forth the thrilling sound: "Let this mind be in 
you which was also in Christ Jesus." 

Labor for God is fraught with certain peculiari- 
| ties, and should it be divested of same, the results 
would be sadly regretful. Hence it is a dire necessity 
that God's workmen should be equipped with certain 
| indispensable qualifications. They must have a sterling 
knowledge of Him to whom the work belongs. Lack- 
ing this, many workers have failed over and again. 
Not that this peculiar failure implies the lack of 
j perceptible and profitable issues, but because said is- 
sues did not culminate in the personal and supreme 
| benefit of said workers. These labor for worldly 
fame, pecuniary advantages, and for the praise of 
men. And by so doing, they are unmindful that 
each worker must divest himself of self, put on Christ, 
be robed with humility, regard himself an instru- 
ment, purely and simply, be willing always to be 
secondary and subservient, and that his Master be 
primary and paramount. 

Paul "magnified" his office. Not only because 
he was a preacher of righteousness, but for the rea- 
son that he was what the term involves, and that 




which it designates in all its length, and breadth, and 
depth, and heighth, i. e. " Worker for God." 

Moreover, all workers for God should have a 
superlative estimate of the work engaged in. Be it 
great or small; because it is for His glory, He coun- 
tenances all alike. Patience, perseverance, and hope, 
should not be regarded insignificant factors. Enter- 
taining, and maintaining the last, the Christian 
worker opens an avenue whereinto the foregoing re- 
quisites travel; and travelling, they serve as health- 
ful auxiliaries, heralding successes from afar, and 
ultimately, luring same to prostrate themselves at the 
feet of the confiding and energetic worker. This 
success, as has been repeatedly proved, is the out- 
come of love for God, and love for humanity. This 
requisite love, is the crowning incentive to earnest 
workers. It cannot be successfully dispensed with. 
The forementioned are essential, but subservient. 
This, supreme. By it, the great Model was actuated 
when on earth working "the works of Him that sent 
Him." Workers for His glory would do well to im- 
itate Him evermore. And using this heavenly lever 
for the uplift of their fellowman, they will, day by 
I day, demonstrate to worldly spectators that their 
| love for the creature is but a happy corollary of their 
I love for the creature's God. 

This being the case, the result of faithful work- 
ing, "other things being equal," is an unqualified re- 
muneration. Albeit, it is well to remember that re- 
] ward should not be the parent. Rather it should be 
the offspring. It is true that "reward sweetens labor." 
But it is equally true that there is an amazing differ- 
ence between the earthly and the heavenly reward, 
j That is often dangerous, and, undoubtedly, evanes- 
cent. This, safe, and eternal. And though the latter 
cannot be lost sight of while the Christian laborer 



§3 



1 



toils; yet he will ever be constrained to duty by virtue 
j of the love he possesses for his Master, and not so 
much by the expectancy of present and future re- 
munerations. For the child who performs his filial 
duties, through love for his loving parents, is the 
| one preferred, and praised above the other who does 
the parents' bidding in view of the promised reward. 
The former executes the parental commands through 
filial love. The latter does so through selfish and 
self-ful love. 

Already, in time, faithful labor has its compen- 
sations. For he who labors competently, according 
| to the forementioned requisites, gains joy in the Lord, 
and possesses a blissful consciousness of loyalty to 
Him. Nor are these all. He, furthermore, lives the 
3 life of sublime expectancy, being assured that the 
I necessary preludes pave the pathway to eternal com- 
pensations, which, briefly summed up are: beatific 
Nearness to Christ, Participation in the program of 
Glory land; unsullied and unending Happiness, and 
Perfection in all its totality. These, and more than 
these, are the high grade compensations which mor- 
tal eyes now cannot see, and which, at the outflow of 
time; and the inflow of that blissful eternity, shall be 
vouchsafed to all the faithful workers of King Eman- 
I uel. Then shall ba supremely verified the oft-repeat- 
j ed words: "Rest, Home, Sweet Home." 



And what is that "Sweet Home?" I 



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'®ts i&ixxtm % Smelling par? nf 

i 

II HERE is a place whose description baffles mortal powers; 



It is a place far removed from all here below. 
Imagination attempts description ad midst its peering* hours 
Only leaving its votaries thirsting more and the more to know. 
What may it be that carries the thoughts above? 
What can it be that lures them to that road? 
| W T hat is the spell whereby, as Christians rove? 
g They think, and long, and pray, for that abode? 
It is a thought insistent', and a spell persistent: 
They wean from earth's delusion, and all sins' intrusion, 
J Earth is a while forgot, with all its sorry lot. 
What may it be, what can it be? 
'Tis Heaven, the Dwelling Place of God. 



II. 

^TTHERE is a place whose pleasure ne'er hath been impaired 
^ Since intrusion unhallowed from its domains whs hurled 
Contemplation's sacred glow hath ventured oft and cheered; 
But the reality sublime it ne'er to mortals hath unfurled. 
What ran it be that raises the thoughts above? 
What may it be that fosters the longings within? 
What is the spell whereby, as Christians love, 
They long for exit from this world of sin? 
It is the thought supernal, and a spell internal: 
They wean from earth's attractions and sin's grave infractions 
Earth is a while suppressed, and all that hath distressed. 

What may it be, what can it be? 

'Tis Heaven, the Dwelling-place of God. 



mmm^jvi , j \ mmmmmmmmmwjmm wwmmmmmsmm* 



in; 

^THERE is a place whose hallowed atmosphere can never tire 

^ The countless myriads as they- do their Lord's behest. 

'Tis to that sphere the soul aspires higher and higher, 

With longings often pungent, with desire to be a guest. 

What may it be that lures the thoughts above? 

What can it be that brightens hope's lit ray? 

What is the spell whereby, like Noah's dove, 

The soul goes out to the land of restful day? 

It is a thought that brightens, and a spell that heightens: 

They wean from earth's confusion, and sin's dire contusion; 

Earth is a while unkown, and all that makes us moan. 

What can it be, what may it be? 

'Tis Heaven, the Dwelling-place of God. 



IV. 

HERE is a place whose friendship feeds on love divine; 



re- 



It is a friendship this sad world in part hath known. 
'Tis of that kind that Jonathan and David did entwine; 
And yet that love which fosters hinge th on God's throne. 
What can it be that bids the soul "Come Home"? 
What may it be that makes earth incomplete? 
What is the cause beneath the aerial dome 
That makes the Pilgrim long with his dear Lord to meet? 
It is a thought endearing, and h hope that's cheering: 
They wean from earth's deception; they crave that grand 
ception; 

Earth is a while encased, and all that hath disgraced. 
What may it be, what can it be? 
'Tis Heaven, the Dwelling-place of God. 

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V. 

fjTHERE is a, place whose occupants are one in heart; 

^ Their actuating motives daily blend in sweet accord. 

'Tis of that kind of which the world's Redeemer bore His part 

And makes His rausom'd followers hail Him still their Lord. 

What may it be that whispers to the soul good cheer? 

What can it be that buoys the Pilgrim on his way? 

What is the cause that dissipates each gloomy fear 

As homeward bound the weary Traveller plods each day? 

It is a thought most holy, impelling all the lowly 

Who, followers of the Nazarene, have joys untold foreseen 

As hastens that glad day, w-hen tears shall roll away. 

What can it be, what may it be? 

'Tis Heaven, the Dwelling-place of God. 



VI. 

fJTHEUE is a place whose lustre sparkles more and more: 

^ It is a place unlike these gloomy scenes of time: 

It is a port whose rays the storm-tossed ones allnre; 

It is a nightless haven;— her brilliants all sublime. 

What can it be? O grand constraining force! 

What may it be? O magnetizing spe'l! 

What is the cause that makes true faith rehearse, 

And antedates the joys 'mongst which at la-t she'll dwell? 

It is thought benignant, that makes all hell indignant. 

And as the port advances, it heavenly joy s enhances, 

To Pilgrims daily pressing, to enjoy consummate blessing. 

What may it be, what can it be? 

'Tis Heaven, the Dwelling-place of God. 



?|THERE is a pla< 
Yet 'tis a pi 



5 
1 

3 Eg 

I • | 

1 VII. I 

lace, thank God, a place tho' now unseen, 
lace wherein poor, Ransom'd Soul "shall 

1 reign:' 

'Tis of enduring beauty, a land of "living green", 
j A place where Ransom'd hosts shall swell that glorious strain. j 
1 What may it be? O captivating power! 
Ik What can it be? O fascinating boon! 
| What is the cause whereby the soul doth tower | 
j And read earth's morning hours as though 'tis noon? 

It is thought conclusive, debarring things delusive 
| As onward comes the dawning, of that illustrious morning, 
t There is a place somewhere, — 'tis sinless, happy, dear, j 
j What can it be, what may it be? 

1 'Tis Heaven, the Dwelling-place of God. 

1 1 



j 

I VIII. 

1 ^jTHERE is a place where God's elect shall part no more; 

| W It is a place bereft of earth's "Goodbye, "- 

s A place wherein God's "jewels" shall adore 

| Their "Daysman" pleading now for them on high. | 

1 What can it be? O soul-entrancing thought! 1 

| What may it be? O joy-enchancing spell! 

j What is the cause whereby the soul is brought 

j To long for that away from which man fell? 

| It is a thought inspiring, lost Eden's bliss desiring, - 

j A sac red spell awaiting man's glorious reinstating. 
There is a place somewhere,— a place beyond compare. 
What may it be, what can it be? 
1 'Tis Heaven, the Dwelling-place of God. 

I 

\ By Rev. J. Josiah Walters, Aug. 1915. 

i 

1 



PRESS OF THE 
WA-RWICK VALLEY DISPATCH 
WARWICK, N. Y. 




